An 86-year-old woman has been robbed of a ‘substantial amount’ of her savings after being attacked on her journey home from a casino in Manchester, police have confirmed.

The pensioner had her bag taken at approximately 2.35am yesterday morning in Swinton, Greater Manchester after attending the Genting Salford Casino.

She was exiting a taxi in Grosvenor Street when she had the money stolen by a suspect who is described as young, 5ft 4ins and skinny.

He was also wearing a black hooded coat, with the hood up, and black trousers.

She reportedly kept the large stash of money on her because she feared she would be burgled at home during the Christmas period.

Pc Michelle Ingham of Greater Manchester Police said: ‘This was a particularly cruel robbery on a vulnerable, lone, elderly woman who had been enjoying a night out at the casino and was returning home with a large amount of cash in her white satchel handbag.’

The woman had also won cash at the casino.

Pc Ingham added: ‘I would appeal to anyone who either witnessed what happened or suspects who may be involved to call us immediately.

‘It might be this thief starts bragging about unexpectedly coming into money so please, if you do suspect who it might be, search your conscience and tell us what you know and help us stop this woman enduring a miserable Christmas.’

If you have any information on the robbery you can call police on 0161 856 5232 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.